Chonburi (Thai: ชลบุรี[tɕ͡ʰōn.būrīː] (listen)) is a province (changwat) of Thailand.[2] Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, and Rayong. To the west is the Gulf of Thailand. Chonburi is home to Thailand's largest tourist oriented city, Pattaya (also spelled Phatthaya), it is the only province outside the Bangkok Metropolitan Area to connect by eight lane motorway to Bangkok, 80 km distant. It is home to Thailand's largest and primary seaport, it has a thriving migrant and expat population. Due to these factors, the province's population is growing rapidly, with currently some 1.7 million residents (albeit with a large floating or unregistered population).[3] The registered population as of 31 December 2012 was 1.36 million[4]

From historical evidence, Mueang Chonburi has been settled since sometime during the Ayutthaya period of Thai history. The region for centuries was one of small towns such as Bang Sai, Bang Pla Soi, and Bang Phra. King Rama V combined these to form Chonburi Province.

The word "chon" originates from the Sanskrit word "jala" meaning water, and the word "buri" from Sanskrit "puri" meaning "town" or "city". Hence the name of the province literally means "city of water".

The province is on the Bay of Bangkok, the northern end of the Gulf of Thailand. The Khao Khiao mountain range stretches from the northwest to the southeast of the province, while the fertile plains of the north were long used for farming. In Laem Chabang, in the south of the province, is one of the few deep-water harbours of Thailand.

The provincial permanent legal population has risen at nearly 4% annually from 1,040,865 in 2000 to 1,554,365 in 2010.[3] There is a large floating population of long term residents (non-Thai) without permanent status, on perpetual tourist visa and/or migrant workers (legal or not), as well as heavy, short term tourist influxes.

The provincial seal shows the hill Khao Sam Muk, on which there is a sala with a statue of the goddess Chao Mae Sahm Muk of whom it is believed that she protects seafaring fishermen and the local population.[5]

The provincial tree and flower is the "New Guinea Rosewood" (Pterocarpus indicus, called Mai Pradu in Thai).

Somchai Khunpluem, alternatively spelled Kunplome (Thai: สมชาย คุณปลื้ม), born 30 September 1937 in Chonburi, Thailand is a Thai politician and businessman. He is also known under his nickname "Kamnan Poh" (Thai: กำนันเป๊าะ, "subdistrict headman Poh"). He is influential in his home province of Chonburi and the whole eastern region and has therefore been dubbed "godfather of Chonburi" or "godfather of the east" by Thai media. Somchai was long-term mayor of Saen Suk, Mueang Chonburi District. His four sons are politicians and Phalang Chon Party founders.

There has been heavy investment in the tourist city of Pattaya, the nation's primary port of Laem Chabang (at Si Ratcha), the Bangkok-Pattaya motorway, and Suvarnabhumi airport (outside but close to the province). Pattaya is the destination of local and international tourism alike within the province, which has seen a spike in skyscrapers and malls. Some nine million visitors to the province were recorded in 2012, of which 6.1 million were from abroad, the largest of these being Russians with 2.2 million visitors.[6] The character of the city has been changing from "sin city" to one which caters to all visitors including families, albeit the "sin city" continues its seemingly unstoppable growth. In addition the nationality of visitors to Pattaya and environs has been changing, with a surge of Chinese in the past five years, as well as migrant workers from Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, as opposed to being formerly dominated by Westerners and Thais.

Besides Pattaya, neighboring cities such as Banglamung, Si Ratcha, and even Muang Chonburi itself have developed over the past decade supporting a larger middle class and a "long-stay" expat population.

Wat Khao Phra Phutthabat Bang Sai (วัดเขาพระพุทธบาทบางทราย) Inside the mondop, a square building with a crown-like cupola, resides the Buddha's footprint. From the end of the fourth lunar month to the second day of the fifth month during the period of the waxing moon, there is a tradition that people pay their respects to the Buddha's footprint.

Wat Yai Inthraram (วัดใหญ่อินทราราม) is a temple of Mueang Chonburi, influenced by late-Ayutthaya architectural style. The ubosot was built in its gunwale curved base and inside displays mural paintings.

Wat Thammanimit (วัดธรรมนิมิตต์) was constructed in 1941 and is a place where the Phra Phutthamongkhon Nimit Buddha image resides. It is a concrete Buddha image decorated with mosaic tiles in the Boarding a Boat posture.

Khao Sam Muk (เขาสามมุข) is a hillock between Ang Sila and Bang Saen Beach, along the road, facing the seashore. A habitat of scores of wild monkeys, the hill-top view descends on the Bang Saen Beach.

The Marine Scientific Institute (สถาบันวิทยาศาสตร์ทางทะเล) A modern aquarium at Burapha University at Bang Saen Beach.

Bang Saen Beach (หาดบางแสน) is a holiday beach 14 kilometres from the provincial town. In 1943, the government built the first holiday resort in the country here. It is now under the supervision of Saen Suk Municipal Administration.

Laem Thaen (แหลมแท่น) is in the area of Bang Saen Beach near Khao Sam Muk. It is a cape reaching out to the sea where restaurants are situated. People go fishing in the area. A big part of Laem Thaen has been constructed over the sea. The area is used for festivities like concerts, markets and during Friday and Saturday evenings the "Bangsaen Walking" street. Big events like Bangsaen Bikeweek are also centered around this area.

Khao Kheow Open Zoo (สวนสัตว์เปิดเขาเขียว) is a zoo operated by the Zoological Garden Organization and covers a vast tract of forestland. There are more than 200 species of wildlife living there. They include both domestic and imported species.

Ko Sichang (เกาะสีชัง) is 12 kilometers off the shore of Si Racha. It is the large island of Sichang offering mountain and sea views. Ko Sichang has served as a cargo station since the early days of the country's trading history. It is the site of a summer palace built during the reign of King Rama V.

Chao Pho Khao Yai Shrine (ศาลเจ้าพ่อเขาใหญ่) revered by both Thai and Chinese worshippers. From here the front side of the island with a panoramic view of Sichang can be seen.

Mondop atop Buddha's Footprint (มณฑปรอยพระพุทธบาท) King Rama V had a footprint replica installed on top of Khaya Sira Hill.

Khao Khat Pass and Hat Hin Klom (ช่องเขาขาดและหาดหินกลม) The name of "Hat Hin Klom" comes from the rounded rocks on the beach which have been rounded by the westerly wind from March to September.

Phra Chuthathut Ratchathan (พระจุฑาธุชราชฐาน) King Rama V had it built in 1892 as a holiday retreat and a convalescence home for his wives and children. Residential quarters, lawns, pools, and swamps ascending from the beach up to the top of the hill, alternated with frangipani trees (Plumeria acuminata).

Ko Thai Khangkhao (เกาะท้ายค้างคาว) is a small island on the southern side of Ko Sichang where there is a sandy beach and coral.

Sanctuary of Truth (ปราสาทสัจธรรม) is a large wooden structure by the sea at Laem Ratchawet, North Pattaya. The Sanctuary of Truth was built in 1981 by Mr. Lek Wiriyaphan, the founder of the Ancient City in Samut Prakan Province.

Ko Lan (เกาะล้าน) is an island 7.5 kilometres from south Pattaya. It has beaches with white sand and clear water on the west side of the island.

Ko Sak (เกาะสาก) Six hundred metres north of Ko Lan is Ko Sak, a small island shaped like an upturned horseshoe. There are two connecting beaches to the north and south.

Mu Ko Phai (หมู่เกาะไผ่) is 23 kilometres from Pattaya beach and includes Ko Phai, Ko Man Wichai, Ko Lueam and Ko Klueng Badan. Ko Phai is the largest and is under the supervision of the Royal Thai Navy.

Anek Kuson Sala (Wihan Sian) (เอนกกุศลศาลา (วิหารเซียน)) is a place showing Chinese architecture and fine arts constructed in 1987 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the king's birthday.

Wat Yanasangwararam Woramahawihan (วัดญาณสังวรารามวรมหาวิหาร) At the entrance are international pavilions. Within the compound of the temple are the mondop where a replica of the Buddha's footprint is enshrined, a large chedi containing Buddha relics.

The Phra Phuttha Maha Wachira Uttamophat Satsada of Khao Chi Chan

Wat Sattahip or Wat Luangpho I (วัดสัตหีบ หรือ วัดหลวงพ่ออี๋) was constructed during the reign of King Rama V by Luangpho I or Phrakhru Worawet Muni who possessed knowledge of meditation and was the comforter of locals in their difficult times. Therefore, the monk was highly respected among the locals.

Hat Toei Ngam (หาดเตยงาม) has lines of toei trees (Pandanus kaida Kurz) on the 200 metre crescent beach. On the north side of the beach is a naval museum and monument.

Hat Sai Kaeo (หาดทรายแก้ว) is a beach under the supervision of the Royal Thai Navy, near the Naval Rating School.

Hat Nang Ram (หาดนางรำ) is a 200 metres long beach. At the tip of the beach stands the shrine of Kromluang Chumphonkhetudomsak, the father of the Royal Thai Navy.

Hat Nang Rong (หาดนางรอง) is a short distance beyond Hat Nang Ram. It is a 200-metre beach with pine trees.

Hat Thian Tale (หาดเทียนทะเล) is a sandy beach alternating with rocks, covering an area of 900 metres. It is a panoramic sightseeing point, with a bizarre shape of cliffs with a view of the sunset.

HTMS Chakri Naruebet (เรือรบหลวงจักรีนฤเบศร) is an offshore patrol helicopter carrier anchored at the Chuk Samet Deep Seaport. It is the flagship of the fleet, controlling and commanding the fleet at sea.

Suan Chunlakan Sathit Sathan Banphachon Siam (สวนจุลการสถิตสถานบรรพชนสยาม) is a park built in honor of Admiral Prince Krommaluang Chumphon Khet Udomsak in 1995. There is a shrine, and statues of Prince Krommaluang Chumphon Khet Udomsak and significant persons in Thai history as well as revered Buddhist monks.

Phra Phuttha Ming Mueang (พระพุทธมิ่งเมือง) is an Buddha image carved out of padauk wood in the posture of subduing Mara. It is Laotian art, crafted by the Laotians who immigrated into this area. It is near the community centre of the Phanat Nikhom municipality office.

Ho Phra Phanatbodi (หอพระพนัสบดี) is a place where a replica of Phra Phanatbodi (Vanaspati) is enshrined. It is a standing Buddha image whose age is approximately 1,200-1,300 years. It was engraved out of black stone.

Wat Chum Saeng Si Wanaram (วัดชุมแสงศรีวนาราม) temple has Sala Kan Parian – a temple hall for the Buddhist monks' meetings and religious ceremonies, constructed of terra-cotta. It is called the Mabunkhrong Building.

Luangpho Tio, Wat Hua Thanon (หลวงพ่อติ้ว วัดหัวถนน) an engraved image of taeo wood (called tio wood by the Laotians). During the Songkran period, on 19 April every year, a procession carries the image around the village.

Wat Luang Phrommawat (วัดหลวงพรหมวาส) temple was a place where the ceremony of drinking an oath of allegiance was conducted. There are a large number of flying foxes in the trees.

Wat Tai Ton Lan (วัดใต้ต้นลาน) was constructed in 1905, representing the architecture of the local craftsmen such as the old wooden Sala Kan Parian – a preaching hall, a pair of swan columns, the cement giant sculpture, the ancient Jiangxi Chinese tiles, and the scripture hall or library made of teak wood surrounded by water.

Khao Cha Ang (เขาชะอางค์) (Amphoe Bo Thong) is an isolated limestone mountain standing on a plain and an important source of gold and antimony. Inside each mountain are beautiful caves such as Tham Nam, Tham Khangkhao, Tham Laplae, and Tham Mangkon.

Tham Khao Cha-ang Song Khrueang (ถ้ำเขาชะอางค์ทรงเครื่อง) is a large cave with stalagmites and stalactites, as well as bats.

Tham Khao Cha-ang Ha Yot (ถ้ำเขาชะอางค์ห้ายอด) is a cave of stalagmites and stalactites. The inside is divided into many small chambers.

Agro-tourism attractionsSilver Lake Vineyard (ไร่องุ่นซิลเวอร์เลก) is located at Mu 7, Tambon Na Jomtien, Sattahip District, covering an area of 400 rai with 12 kinds of grapes, 11 of which are for fresh consumption and the other one is for making wine.

Ecotourism attractionsKo Kham Underwater Park (อุทยานใต้ทะเลเกาะขาม) is an attraction within the compound of the Royal Thai Navy in Sattahip Bay. There are many Chan Pha (Dracaena loureiri Gagnep.) trees. It looks like two islands connecting each other with extending land. Snorkelling can be done at the island.

Chaeng Lon (แจงลอน) is Chonburi's delicacy which uses the same ingredients as Ho Mok (ห่อหมก) with coconut shreds to replace coconut milk. The mixture is hand-molded into small buns on a stick, and charcoal-grilled until cooked.

Hoi Cho (หอยจ้อ) is a Chinese delicacy. Crab is the main ingredient.

Khao Lam (ข้าวหลาม) is a specialty is made with sticky rice, sugar and coconut cream cooked in bamboo stalks.

Stone products (ผลิตภัณฑ์จากหิน) such as mortars, whetstones, engraved stone into animal shapes such as lions, elephants, horses and others are widely offered at Ang Sila, on the way from Chonburi to Bang Saen.

Products from Pineapple Paper (ผลิตภัณฑ์จากกระดาษใยสับปะรด) are produced in Tambon Nong Kham, Si Racha District. Examples of the products include wine boxes and bags, boxes of tissue paper, perfume boxes, photo albums, folders, sets of envelopes, and boxes of paper notes.

Basketry Market (ตลาดจักสาน) Long known for its fine basketry products, Amphoe Phanat Nikhom originally made them for daily use.

Artificial fruits made of clay (ผลไม้ดินปั้น) Artificial fruits made of clay in miniature size are made, dried by sunlight and painted in actual colors. Then, they are wind dried again.

Chonburi Annual Festival (งานนมัสการพระพุทธสิหิงค์และงานกาชาดประจำปีจังหวัดชลบุรี) fair held mid-April during the Songkran Festival. Phra Phutthaishing, Chonburi's principal Buddha image, is carried in a procession around the city.

Wan Lai Festival (ประเพณีวันไหล) is a Chonburi merit-making day of the seamen on the Thai New Year during the Songkran Festival, running from 13–20 April every year. There is almsgiving to the monks, the ritual pouring of water onto the Buddha's image, sand pagoda making, splashing water and local games and sports in Chonburi. The areas where the Wan Lai Festival is organized are as follows:

Pattaya–Na Kluea Wan Lai Festival and Na Kluea Kong Khao Fair (งานประเพณีวันไหล พัทยา- นาเกลือ และงานกองข้าวนาเกลือ) are organized on 18–20 April every year at Lan Pho Public Park, Na Kluea and Wat Chai Mongkhon in south Pattaya.

Songkran Si Maha Racha Festival and Kong Khao Tradition (งานประเพณีสงกรานต์ศรีมหาราชาและงานประเพณีกองข้าว) an ancient festival of the locals. Si Racha District preserves this tradition and organizes it every year, during 19–21 April, to worship the gods who have been protecting them throughout the year. Activities include the procession led by the elderly and organizations in traditional Thai costume, a worship ceremony, spirit offering ceremony, Kong Khao tradition demonstration, local games, demonstrations, and sales of traditional desserts and local food.

Ko Phra Sai Wan Lai Festival, Bang Saen (งานประเพณีก่อพระทรายวันไหล บางแสน) Originally, it was called "Ngan Thambun Wan Lai", a gathering of people from villages to do the merit making in the Songkran Festival or the Thai New Year's Day, taking place on 16–17 April, every year. Monks from every temple in Saen Suk sub-district are invited to perform the religious ceremony. There is merit-making, food offering and bahting ceremony. Later, there are activities of sand pagoda making, water splashing, local games and sports.

Ngan Bun Klang Ban and Phanat Nikhom Basketwork (งานบุญกลางบ้าน และเครื่องจักสานพนัสนิคม) On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the first week of May or the Thai 6th lunar month. The locals bring food, offer it to the monks, and dedicate the merit to the guardian spirits, enemies from a former life, deceased relatives, as well as, to drive out bad things, to ask for rain during the season and to wish for abundant food and plants. After the religious ceremony, there is lunch, local games, and a demonstration of Phanat Nikhom basketry making.

Chonburi Buffalo Race (งานประเพณีวิ่งควาย) In Ban Bueng and Nong Yai districts. The animals are dressed outrageously or with creatively by owners. Assembled in the courtyard in front of the town hall, the buffaloes partake in racing, or take part in physical fitness and fashion contests. The Chonburi Buffalo Race festival started more than 100 years ago.[7] Usually, the races will be complemented with booths selling locally made items, stage performances, games and beauty contests.[8] The annual Buffalo Race, held around the 11th lunar month, normally in October. It takes seven days and takes place on the field in front of the city and provincial government offices. The highlight of the festival is the buffalo race which is on the last two days. This race is 100 meters– long. The prize for the first nose past the finish line is a trophy and some money.[9]